Inside Gossip: your latest soap news
Corrie will put cobbles stalwart Rita front and centre of a huge new plot to air later this year, as her estranged foster daughter Sharon Bentley returns – and ignites a fierce new rivalry with Jenny!
The Rovers landlady is set to come out fighting in her stepmother’s defence when Sharon re-enters Rita’s life 22 years after they parted on bad terms – and turns it upside down once again…
“Sharon returns across some badly burned bridges to reconnect with Rita, but her presence becomes destabilising and dangerous, in ways I hope viewers won’t see coming,” teases Street boss Iain MacLeod. “The question is: what has Sharon’s life become since she was last on the Street? The answer to that will drive a massive story for us, which runs into the summer and beyond.”
Original star Tracie Bennett is reprising the role that she portrayed in the 80s and 90s, with stories such as Sharon making a play for Gail’s husband, Brian Tilsley, and dumping fiancé Ian Bentley at the altar!
Rita always stood by her, and even gave the Kabin to Sharon as a birthday gift. But the selfish madam put the Street’s beloved sweet shop up for sale, forcing Rita to buy it back and send Sharon packing!
“I’m looking forward to working with Barbara [Knox, who plays Rita] again, and getting my teeth into the storylines they have planned for Sharon,” grins Tracie. “I was first approached about coming back about 18 months ago, so I’m so really pleased that I can finally tell everyone!”
Sharon’s dramatic reunion with Rita will air next month.